California Elections

Politics

Will a new generation of Latino voters change California elections?

At the CalMatters Ideas Festival, two political experts debate the impact of young Latino voters driven more by economic concerns than immigration.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• June 7, 2024

Politics

Why Barbara McQuade is so worried about disinformation

At CalMatters’ inaugural Ideas Festival, analyst and author Barbara McQuade says disinformation is a threat to democracy, especially in local elections. "I think true patriotism is a commitment to truth," she said.

By

Jenna Peterson

• June 5, 2024

Lisamaria Martinez, who is blind, is one of the plaintiffs in a 2013 lawsuit against Alameda County over a voting machine malfunction that forced her to dictate her vote to someone else. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

Politics

California made it easier to vote, but some with disabilities still face barriers

California is hailed as a national leader for voting access. But visually impaired voters and their advocates say they still face unnecessary barriers, despite bills and lawsuits. Some election officials raise security concerns.

By

Yue Stella Yu

and

Sameea Kamal

• June 5, 2024

A voter at a polling center at Santa Ana College in Santa Ana on March 5, 2024. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters

Commentary

Ballot measures will provide most of the intrigue in California’s November election

Much of California's November ballot is already decided given the state's political leanings, so the real action will come from as many as 15 ballot measures. Some could have massive financial impacts.

By

Dan Walters

• May 30, 2024

Elections

The cost to inform California voters? $118,000 a page for official guide

The official state voter guide comes with printing, postage and other costs. The March primary guide cost $13.2 million, with only one ballot measure. What will be the price tag for November, with many more propositions?

By

Sameea Kamal

• May 23, 2024

Capitol

California Ok’d a law to stop ‘pay to play’ in local politics. Now, legislators may gut it

A 2022 law limits campaign contributions to $250 to local elected officials from a donor with a license, building permit or other proceeding before the officials. Now there’s a bill to raise the limit to $1,000 and loosen other restrictions.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• May 1, 2024

A pro-Palestinian protester is arrested after being surrounded by LAPD officers during a protest in Alumni Park at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles on April 24, 2024. Photo by Jules Hotz for CalMatters

Elections

Steve Garvey calls pro-Palestinian student protesters ‘terrorists’

The Republican contender for U.S. Senate criticizes USC student encampments as acts of terrorism. Nearly 100 demonstrators were arrested on trespassing charges.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• April 25, 2024

Commentary

Californians are worried about crime, setting the stage for a ballot measure showdown

Californians once supported criminal justice reforms to lighten penalties for crime but attitudes have changed. A November ballot measure could be a test for just how much.

By

Dan Walters

• April 19, 2024

Climate activists participate in a student-led climate change march in Los Angeles in 2019. Photo by Ringo H.W. Chiu, AP Photo

Commentary

Earth Day contest highlights: California youth spotlight election-year priorities on climate

In an important election year, more than 70 high school students across California called on candidates seeking office to back a variety of climate solutions as part of CalMatters’ Earth Day op-ed contest. These are a few excerpts from finalists.

By

Michael Lozano

and

Yousef Baig

• April 18, 2024

Commentary

Will Attorney General Rob Bonta jump into the 2026 race for California governor?

A handful of Democratic politicians are already running for governor of California in 2026. Attorney General Rob Bonta is acting as if he might jump in. But so far there are no Latinos or Republicans in the mix.

By

Dan Walters

• April 18, 2024